Cornwall Council is reviewing a number of home-to-school taxi routes and contracts as it grapples with increasing demand and rising costs for school transport services.
The council's 2024/25 budget includes a significant increase of nearly £9 million to fund school transport, following a forecasted overspend of £7.4 million earlier this year and it has been mentioned at previous council meetings that it may be paying some contractors over the odds.
It's been suggested that around 50 taxi contracts providing school transport for SEN students have been put out to tender.
While the council has not confirmed the specific routes or schools affected, it has stated that it is evaluating contracts to ensure the best value for money while continuing to support a growing number of children and young people and their families in accessing education.
Parents of SEN children have expressed concerns about the potential disruption to their children's routines, as many have developed strong relationships with their drivers and passenger assistants.
The council's review is being conducted with the advice of consultants, who have identified potential savings in school transport costs.
Deputy leader David Harris has acknowledged that Cornwall's vast distances and the need for competitive tendering, contribute to the high costs.
The council's chief operating officer has admitted that the local authority has been paying school-run taxi drivers excessive amounts, particularly for children with SEN.
Measures are being implemented to ensure fair pricing while still saving the council money.
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